Heart Care After Bypass Surgery

Coronary artery open heart surgery is one of the major developments in managing cardiovascular diseases which is the leading cause of death, globally. This surgery aims to treat chest pains, angina and artery blockages besides diminishing the chances of a heart attack.Bypass surgery unfortunately is attached to a mortality rate of 4 percent, worldwide.Considering that the bypass surgery cost and surgery implications are high, patients only do adequate research before the procedure and neglecting the post-procedure complications.Shortly after a bypass surgery, complications might result in a person’s fatality. The first phase of recovery involves around six weeks where a patient is expected to follow certain instructions in relation to his lifestyle for proper and efficient recovery.

• Taking proper care of the wound – The wound must be kept clean and dry at all times, after the surgery. You must immediately contact your cardiologist if you see the edges of the wound pulling apart, redness around the wound or more oozing than natural. You must also be on your guard if your body temperature rises above 100 degree Fahrenheit and you perceive a shift in your breastbone like a pop or a crack.

• Relieving the pain – Most heart surgeons prescribe medications that aim at diminishing your pain. However, certain amount of pain and discomfort like itching, tightness and numbness are normal and shouldn’t be reasons you worry about. If you had a bypass surgery, your legs are bound to hurt. To ease this pain, a gentle exercise might come in handy. Once you start exercising very gentling, the soreness and stiffness would no longer persist in your body.

• Take part in certain activities – It is recommended by experts of top bypass surgery hospitals to engage yourself in certain activities post your bypass surgery to attain a sense of normalcy in your life. Start by doing little household chores that build up your activity in a gradual process. Take a walk, every day. Unless you have been advised not to, climb stairs with care. You are however advised to not stand in the same place for 15 minutes or to push and lift things that are heavy and weigh more than 10 pounds. You must be able to drive within a month of your surgery but it is advised to engage in physical exercises before doing that.

• Eat a number of small meals a day – It is normal to lose your appetite post-surgery but you must give your body the proper nutrition it deserves after a crisis. It is essential to eat wholesome foods, prescribed by your doctor. While you must eat food that is rich in high protein, you are advised to avoid food rich in high carbohydrates or fat. It is essential that you don’t eat a lot at once. Instead, take small meals throughout the day and also drink between meals. Chew the food properly and do not eat sugar based food in large quantities.

• Keep yourself emotionally happy – Most patients go through a period of sadness and depression after a heart surgery but there are things you can do to keep your heart healthy and happy. Always make sure your spirits are up. Wear good and comfortable clothes. Take a walk every day and talk to people you meet on the way. It is the best time to take up your hobbies and pursue social gatherings. It is always helpful to share how you feel and make sure you always catch a good night sleep that helps you battle all the blues.

• Take proper rest and sleep – While it is essential that you exercise post-surgery, do not over-exert yourself. After taking a walk or doing some household chore, make sure you take proper rest. Do not sleeps a lot during the day so that you can have a proper good night sleep. Avoid caffeine or chocolate consumption that might hamper your sleeping pattern.

It is imperative that you care for your heart by caring for yourself after a bypass surgery and stay healthy and happy.